Expert: William J Perkins - 7/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have been given this clock from my grandmother. Researching online it looks like a Seth Thomas. She said it had to be at least 150 years old. The back was replaced- no numbers on the outside. It has 3 places to wind- the top one is a smaller key and I can't figure out what that is for. The chimes are off too- at 12 it chimes 4, etc... I can send a picture if needed. I would love to know how to fix the chimes- maybe the top key hold to wind?

ANSWER: The small end of the key is not for winding the clock, it is for regulating the speed.  A picture might help.  As for synchronizing time to strike, you can do that as follows.  Stop the clock, move the minute hand until the clock strikes.  Stop turning the hand at once.  Say the clock says its 12:00 but it strikes 4 times.  The hour hand is friction fit to its shaft so you grasp it as close to the shaft as you can get and move it to the 4:00 position.  Should you break the friction grip by doing this simply push the hand back towards the dial, this will re-establish the hands hold to its shaft.  When you have done this, you will have synchronized the time and strike.  Start the clock.  But now the clock is showing 4:00 instead of 12:00.  To correct you simply reset the clock in the normal manner to the correct time.  Be sure to allow the clock to complete each strike sequence before moving to another hour.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: Thank you! I will try your instructions but I'm afraid I might break it. Is it easy to break? I'm sending a picture of it. Can you tell me the best way to find out the date? Maybe a website. I haven't been able to find an exact match yet. Thank you so much!

Answer
Your clock appears to be a Manchester model Seth Thomas.  These clocks were manufactured from 1892 through 1917 identification of the movements used and trim and trim variations would tell us the precise year it was built.  Based upon what I see I would guess 1910.  I do note the clocks ornate feet are missing.  Replacements are available through clock materials houses. Regards WJP